Well, you've decided to find a new apartment in New York City.
Maybe you're moving here from the suburbs for the first time. Maybe you already live here, but you live in a tiny apartment in a terrible location and you're looking to upgrade.
No matter what your circumstance, there will be some roadblocks heeding your dreams. And you will overcome, if you persevere past these struggles. (Which you will, obviously.)
Millions have done it before you, and you will soon sign your name to the staggering number of New York City residents.
The struggles you encounter in finding an apartment here will make you stronger, and prepare you for life in this ruthless, amazing city.
So read on to find out 8 struggles of apartment hunting in NYC. And then grin and bear it. (Or, if you already know these struggles all too well, read on to commiserate along with us.)
1. Decide to move
Maybe you're caught stagnant in your current life, with your boring, terrible apartment. Maybe you hate your location, your leaking shower, or your roommates.
You've fantasized about moving. You can fantasize all you want, but until you decide to actually move, you'll still be stuck.
Deciding you want to move, however, is the first step. Then you can get this whole stressful-- yet ultimately rewarding-- process started.
2. Tell your current roommates
Unless you live alone, which is a struggle in and of itself, likely you'll spend days on end wringing your hands and agonizing over how to tell your current roommates you're moving.
Are they your college friends? High school friends? Or are they randos you found on Craigslist?
If they're randos, odds are they're going to care way less than you think. And if they're friends you care about from some past time in your life, you should proceed into this situation like ripping off a band aid. Just get it over with.
You won't be able to truly search for new roommates until you tell your old roommates you're leaving.
The best way to handle this is to be clear, direct, and firm. And to do it as soon as possible.
3. Find new roommates
Now that you've snipped all ties from your old life, roommates, and apartments, it's time to seek out new ones.
The classic move here is to post a status on Facebook or Twitter, which-- contrary to popular belief-- can be successful. The most typical fear in this case is that someone you don't want to live with may respond.
Which is entirely possible. Just remember that you're probably going to live with this person for at least a year. And the strife of living with someone you hate will be much worse than being upfront and honest now.
Don't sacrifice a year of your life living with someone you're not into because you were worried about being polite.
If Facebook does not come in hot for you, the next move is to seek out your networks. Were you a part of a Greek organization or sports team in college? What about your nexus from High School? Spreading the word on needing a roommate with the people in your life is key.
If all of the above fails, Craigslist might work. Just make sure you meet your new potential roommate beforehand, and pay attention to your intuition. If you're getting weird vibes about a person, don't live with them. End of story.
4. Compromise, compromise, compromise
This step is when all the hard conversations with your new roommate(s) has to happen. What is the highest amount you're willing to spend on an apartment? What is the highest amount your roommate will spend? What neighborhood do you want to live in?
Inevitably, your roommate is intrigued by Chelsea, while you're dying to live in the East Village.
Your roommate can throw down $1,500 a month without batting an eye, while the idea of choking up $1,200 makes you gag. Anyway, you'll to figure this all out.
There are three components here: the interior of the apartment, the location of the apartment, and the price of the apartment.
Decide which is the most important to you. Regardless, you need to have all of these conversations before you get a broker involved.
,5. Look at apartments
Here is the step where you typically spend days perusing Craigslist and Naked Apartments, and then eventually give up and hire a broker.
Brokers tend to be slimy and conniving, though not all brokers are slimy and conniving. Most brokers will only show you apartments in the very upper limits of your price range, because this increases their commission. Or, they'll show you apartments with move-in dates that are not your preferred move-in date.
If you have a broker who shows you apartments that cost more than you can afford, or who shows your apartments in neighborhoods you don't want, get rid of 'em. Toss 'em to the curb. There are plenty of other brokers out there.
In the inverse, if you have a broker who's nice, accommodating, and helpful, hold on to them like you hold on to the last few bites of your ice cream cone.
Or, don't use a broker at all. You can use this new renter's app called Oliver, which is incredible because it's essentially a broker alternative.
6. Decide
Now that you and your new roommate have likely trekked all over the entire city, and seen upwards of 30-40 apartments, you have to pick one. Hopefully, you'll find one you both love.
More likely, one of you will have to choose one you don't love.
It's tempting to stress hard in this step. Just remember that finding a new apartment can be fun if-- and only if-- you refrain from driving yourself crazy.
Should you pick the tiny shoebox in the East Village or the spacious, less expensive Upper West Side loft?
Well that, my friend, is completely up to you. And your roommate.
7. Sign your life away
This is the step that completely empties out your bank account.
You will likely be paying a 10% broker's fee, which can easily soar into the thousands, your first month's rent, and a month of rent as a security deposit.
While you're watching the numbers in your bank account rapidly decrease, just try to remember how much fun you're going to have in that wonderful new apartment.
8. Actually move
Actually moving, while difficult, is completely dwarfed in comparison to the stress of actually finding an apartment.
This is sort of like a whatever stage. Yeah, whatever, you already paid thousands for a broker and an apartment. What's a few hundreds more for some movers from those geniuses over at Unpakt?
This will all be worth it one you're kicked back, sipping wine and eating a slice of pizza in your new digs. We guarantee. Now, celebrate.
Check out Because We Hate Brokers, There’s Now an App to Find No-Fee Apartments in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: srTrends.com]